Removing scratches from Metal dash

**mr.eugene** · 06-16-2009 05:02 PM

I noticed bunch of small scratches on the metal / aluminum dash.

Also - i have bunch of scratches on the metal part - the thing that opens up to expose place for coins and cig lighter.

They are minor but visible on the reflective aluminum dash.

Any ideas on how to go about removing them? I tried the rubbing compound that is working on the exterior of the car - for clear coat scratches - and that didn't do anything..

Please if anyone knows - share your solutions!

**stormscr3** · 06-16-2009 05:03 PM

Wet-sanding with 2000 grit sand paper

**scoobycarolan** · 06-16-2009 05:52 PM

I think they're actually plastic or at least plastic coated. I used this stuff called displex once to remove scratches on a laptop sceen. Worked like a charm!

**greene08** · 06-16-2009 07:20 PM

The aluminum trim is actually real aluminum in our A4s. If it scratches you are done. Stealership is the only place to get replacement aluminum molding... and it is $$$$!

My girlfriend put a few light scratches in my cig lighter cover too... so frustrating.

**greene08** · 06-16-2009 07:22 PM

ECS has this piece... it is pricey...
http://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B7_A4-...r/Trim/ES9071/

**evilgabbie** · 06-16-2009 09:20 PM

zagg - apple sauce

**dblock110** · 06-16-2009 09:32 PM

Originally Posted by greene08

ECS has this piece... it is pricey...
http://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B7_A4-...r/Trim/ES9071/

125 dollars . is that for real?

**marcl** · 06-16-2009 10:27 PM

Originally Posted by dblock110

125 dollars . is that for real?

AutoGlym do a scratch and scuff kit, it comes with what they call a "magic sponge" you can get the sponge on ebay for a few pounds.

might work might not......cheaper than $125

!!!

**TheHeggi** · 06-16-2009 10:31 PM

It's aluminum alright...and I've got all kinds of tiny scratches and even a small ding in mine. Looks crappy, but we (owners) are probably the only people who actually notice...

**intonation** · 06-17-2009 07:44 AM

Originally Posted by stormscr3

Wet-sanding with 2000 grit sand paper

have you actually tried this? i'm thinking since it is in fact aluminum, this might be the way to go. kind of scared to try it on my fishcale alum trim...

**mr.eugene** · 06-22-2009 10:57 PM

i didn't try the sand paper yet. though it seems reasonable. i will go to home depot which is on the same plaza as pepboys - will see who has 2000 grit.. i hope it works, i will report what will happen later.

Thanks for all the ideas!

**intonation** · 06-23-2009 06:31 AM

Originally Posted by mr.eugene

i didn't try the sand paper yet. though it seems reasonable. i will go to home depot which is on the same plaza as pepboys - will see who has 2000 grit.. i hope it works, i will report what will happen later.

Thanks for all the ideas!

Cool, keep us posted. I might also try it on a out of the way spot like the rear ashtray cover. Only concern is that some of the scratches in the front look pretty deep - not sure they will be fixed with surface sanding. Still worth a try!

**ElectroMike** · 06-23-2009 06:39 AM

Since we're on topic of alum trim, is there a DIY on how to remove it?

I also have little scratches above the driver side door handle and might do the 2000 grit wet sand but would want the piece off the door first!